REDUCTION OF ACRYLAMIDE FORMATION

The invention relates to methods of reducing acrylamide during high temperature cooking of carbohydrate-containing foods, in particular vegetables or tubers which are deep fried. In particular, the invention relates to a method of reducing acrylamide during cooking of a carbohydrate-containing food, said method comprising at least the following steps: contacting said food with a first hydroxy acid selected from lactic, malic and tartaric acids at a pH less than or equal to its pKa, or its lowest pKa; part-cooking said food at a temperature at which the Maillard reaction occurs whereby to form a part-cooked food;optionally packaging and/or storing said part-cooked food; contacting said part-cooked food with a second α-hydroxy acid selected from lactic, malic and tartaric acids at a pH less than or equal to its pKa, or its lowest pKa; and subsequently further cooking said food at a temperature at which the Maillard reaction occurs.